Dachshunds are an independent breed. Doxies are loving. Doxies like to play. They can be aggressive.

How can all this be true of one breed of dog? Well it is. Doxies are among the most interesting and complex breeds precisely because they encompass all these attributes and many more besides.

Bred in Germany in the late 1600s to chase vermin, fearless and bold characteristics were selected first and foremost. At the same time, they had to be strong-willed, resourceful and persistent. If the dog doesn’t have the spirit of pursuit, it does little good to have feet and legs that are excellent for digging.

Those attributes have continued down the centuries. Most Doxies today are pets, not hunters, once attributes are bred in their nature does not change much. What is simple courage in one circumstance can be considered aggression in another. What is willfulness in one situation can be valuable persistence in another.

Above all, they are an intelligent breed. Their individualist character makes them more difficult to take an interest in training. If handled correctly, their smarts allow them to excel in whatever they do.

Independence does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in others. They are filled with curiosity and want to take part in any adventure going on around them. Some breeds are happy to sit by quietly and observe. A Dachshund wants to be participating along with everyone else and in the middle of things.

Within these broad outlines there are variations noted.

The Smooth-Coat exhibits all the classic behaviors such as leading the pack whenever possible, barking at the least invasion to its territory and more. They will struggle during nail clipping time and be reluctant more often to take a bath.

The Wire-Hair breed looks and acts like a combination of terrier and Dachshund. Terriers, also, are high strung. They love to play and their behavior is not aggressive so much as just forthright.

The Long-Hair is more like the Irish Setter in miniature, though not to that extreme. They are a little more inclined to watch and wait their turn, but do enjoy a good romp. Even though they take a bit more grooming care, they are among the easier varieties to train.

All Dachshund variations are natural diggers. Bred to chase badgers and other small game into a den, Dachshunds like getting into things. Dachshunds powerful front legs and muscular chest make it pretty easy for them to do just that. Getting out isn’t too much more difficult, thanks to the streamlined body and smooth, narrow head. As a result, if you want to keep the lawn or garden intact, do not allow the dog to roam freely without supervision.

Dachshunds do need at least moderate exercise in activities where they can work off some of their natural energy. An obstacle course that contains tunnels is a good idea for these “gophers”.

Doxies are also loyal and loving. The bond between a Doxie and the person or family it “adopts” is unusually strong. Doxies want to be near people and enjoy interaction. As any Dachshund owner will be happy to tell you……..

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